The Rotherham child abuse scandal deepened last night as embattled police commissioner Shaun Wright’s deputy quit and the British government ordered an early inspection of child protection services in the town.

Deputy South Yorkshire police and crime commissioner Tracey Cheetham announced she was resigning after a devastating report exposed widespread child sexual exploitation in the town over 16 years – and called on Mr Wright to follow suit.

She said she felt “unable to continue” in the role and added: “It is vital for people to have confidence in the office of police and crime commissioner and, with this in mind, I believe it would have been the right thing for Shaun Wright to resign.”

But Mr Wright continued to ignore calls for him to quit, as did Joyce Thacker, the head of Rotherham’s children’s services since 2008, who issued a staunch defence of her record.

Ms Cheetham said: “After careful consideration of my position as Labour deputy PCC, following Shaun Wright’s announcement that he has resigned from the Labour Party, it has become clear to me that I am unable to continue in the role and have therefore tendered my resignation.” – (PA)